Mark the Match Boy; or Richard Hunter's Ward - A Journey of Poverty Perseverance and Success in 19th Century Urban America

Horatio Jr. Alger

Summary

In 'Mark the Match Boy; or, Richard Hunter's Ward,' Horatio Alger Jr. employs his characteristic 'rags-to-riches' narrative style to explore themes of perseverance, morality, and the transformative power of hope. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century America, the novel follows the plight of young Mark, a destitute match boy, and Richard Hunter, a compassionate benefactor who becomes a father figure. Through vibrant characterization and engaging plot twists, Alger reflects the era's social dynamics, replete with its challenges and the promise of upward mobility, encapsulating the American Dream in a format that appeals to both youth and adult audiences alike. Horatio Alger Jr., a prominent figure in American literature, gained recognition for his inspirational tales that resonate with readers seeking motivation and moral fortitude. His own early hardships, including a stint in the ministry and a deep concern for the welfare of impoverished youth, profoundly influenced his storytelling. Alger'Äôs works often serve as a commentary on social justice and the importance of individual agency, embodying the socio-economic aspirations of the Gilded Age. For readers drawn to poignant tales of struggle and ambition, 'Mark the Match Boy' offers an insightful exploration of character and virtue. It is not merely a children's story; rather, it serves as a timeless reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity for remarkable transformation. This novel remains essential reading for anyone interested in the interplay between literature and the socio-cultural landscape of America.

Available since: 10/29/2023.

Print length: 120 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Super Special Magic Shoes

Megan Marie Higgins

"I wear Super Special Magic Shoes that give each foot a hug. They help me stand tall and proud or dance the jitterbug!" This sing-song story with colorful, bright illustrations and adorable characters will delight every child with its sense of magic as it introduces the wearing of leg braces in a positive, fun light. Whether a child wears special shoes, leg braces or not, Super Special Magic Shoes has an adventure for everyone!

Show book

Piggy: Traitor

Terrance Crawford

Brave the terrifying world of PIGGY in this official illustrated novel based on the hit ROBLOX game!Diego was separated from his family in the early days of the Infection. Since then, he has moved from town to town and place to place -- getting by as best as he can.Recently, he has met and joined up with a motley crew of other survivors. After an encounter with a pack of the Infected, members of the group begin to disappear in mysterious and macabre ways.It's becomes clear that not everyone in the group is telling the whole truth.Can Diego and his new friends discover the traitor amongst them before it's too late?

Show book

The Topsy-Turvy Bus

Anita Fitch Pazner

Reuse, recycle, renew, and rethink!

 
Climb aboard the Topsy-Turvy Bus with Maddy and Jake as it travels around the country teaching communities the importance of taking care of the earth and creating a better, cleaner, healthier world. 
 
Based on a real Topsy-Turvy Bus created by Hazon, the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America.

Show book

Wild Wave (The Wild Series)

Rodman Philbrick

Another WILD adventure from Rodman Philbrick, author of Wildfire and Wild River. Wild Wave is the adventure of two kids trapped in the aftermath of a tsunami. It's kids vs. nature in another edge-of-your seat listen!When a tsunami heads for the coast, Nick Chase and Jess Hardy have to run. They make it into the woods above the bay--only to see the sea flooding their whole neighborhood along the shore. Destroying everything.In the broken landscape that's left behind, the two must try to find their way to safety. But when they come across a stranded elderly couple, it's up to Nick and Jess to work together and get help so that they can all make it out alive.This is another gripping environmental survival story from the Newbery Honor author of Wildfire and Wild River.

Show book

The Wild Robot Protects

Peter Brown

The New York Times bestselling The Wild Robot series returns, taking Roz on an action-packed under-the-ocean journey to save her beloved island! Life for Roz and the animals on their island is perfect. But when mysterious, dangerous waters surround the island, the animals are forced inland to fight over dwindling resources.  Roz calms and organizes the animals, but the poison tide takes a terrible toll on the island. So the wild robot sets out across the ocean, determined to stop the poison tide. During her journey, Roz encounters amazing geological formations and incredible creatures, and she sees the devastation caused by the toxic waters. Can the wild robot save the ocean and her island and everything she loves?  This thrilling third installment of the Wild Robot series takes readers on a new adventure through the ocean and to the frigid northern waters where Roz may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Show book

Bagpuss - The Fiddle - Episode 11

Oliver Postgate, John Faulkner,...

Bagpuss, dear Bagpuss, old fat furry cat-puss, wake up, wake up and look at this thing that I bring...Bagpuss, created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, is no ordinary cat. He is a saggy, baggy, lovable old cloth cat who lives in a magical shop owned by Emily, a little girl who brings lost or broken things for Bagpuss and his friends to "mend". When Emily leaves an item in front of Bagpuss, he wakes up, and so do all his friends: Professor Yaffle, the wise but skeptical wooden woodpecker; Madeleine, the kindly rag doll; Gabriel, the banjo-playing toad; and a group of lively, mischievous mice who live in the Marvellous Mechanical Mouse Organ. Together, they bring life to the shop, telling stories, fixing broken things, and uncovering the history of forgotten treasures. Bagpuss's world is a place where imagination, music, and gentle adventure intertwine.Emily brings an old, worn-out fiddle to the shop. Bagpuss and his friends are curious to learn about its story. Professor Yaffle explains the importance of the fiddle, while Madeleine and Gabriel bring its music back to life with their songs. The mice add their playful ideas, turning the fiddle's story into a fun and exciting adventure. This episode is all about the magic of music and the joy of bringing old things back to life.

Show book